https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHOmBV4js_E
So, what do you do in the middle of a pandemic where most things are closed; restaurants, pools, bars, etc.? Well, you find an oasis of sorts, a place that marries all the elements mentioned above, while remaining within driving distance.
The Westdrift, Manhattan Beach (a part of the Autograph Collection Hotels) is such an oasis, a few minutes south of Hollywood, and approximately 45 minutes north of Orange County, it is an escape for all seasons. It is located in a commercial section of Manhattan Beach, literally a stone’s throw from the 405 Freeway, off Redondo Beach Blvd., and conveniently close to downtown Manhattan with its enticing beach, restaurants, and shops.
The challenging circumstances we are all facing have made it difficult for a variety of businesses, but the hospitality industry has been hit particularly hard. Scores of hotels and restaurants have closed down, some permanently. The ones who have stayed open do so with limited capacity and altered reality. Gone are the days of hugs and enthusiastic greetings to make way to the ever-present masks, and maybe an elbow bump or two. Trying to make people feel welcome in this kind of environment is indeed a difficult task, some may say an impossibility; however, the crew and staff at Westdrift are doing an admirable job.
At the invite of its superb Director of Sales and Marketing, the dynamic Maureen Leary, we (my lovely wife tagged along for an impromptu getaway) ventured for a two-day weekend, where our expectations were low but just happy to be able to get out of our little protective bubble.
Our expectations were surpassed! We were amazed at the service and amenities (albeit a bit changed due to COVID.) From an amazingly easy check-in to a splendid room with a view of the golf course (more on that in a bit) to a lovely bottle of wine awaiting us, we were delighted to start relaxing in style.
The Westdrift is such a great property, complete with a sophisticated pool area, where cocktails and food flowed (the pool staff is attentive and committed to offering superlative service) to a little gem of a golf course, where you can walk your way away from worries, hit the small white ball and have fun in the process. Some of the services are currently closed because of the CDC restrictions; the gym—maybe one of the best gyms I’ve ever seen in a hotel— and the bar and restaurant in the lobby area, but room service is available, and Chef ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ has made it his mission to offer the very best food, regardless of circumstances.
A significant amount of work has been put into following the safety ordinances as mandated by the state, and abundant signs throughout the hotel remind you of the various protocols in place to protect the health of guests and staff alike. In all the hotel’s open areas, a mask must be worn; social distancing is encouraged, which takes nothing away from the experience.
While the hotel’s restaurant is closed, we were offered some great dinner recommendations in downtown Manhattan Beach, and our favorite was the MB Post. Be aware that most restaurants close a bit earlier than usual with an 8 pm last service. Masks are also strictly enforced downtown, which doesn’t seem to damper people’s enthusiasm; large crowds were in town, and the makeshift patio settings for most restaurants made for a fun and lively scene.
Before too long, it was time to get back to reality, remote work, distance learning, and everything associated with the pandemic. However, our getaway at the Westdrift Hotel was a welcome, needed, and rejuvenating trip to fun and relaxation. We will be back!
Special thanks to Maureen Leary and her excellent hospitality.
